The Plain DealerDemocrat Ted Strickland, left, and Republican John Kasich.

With Joe Guillen / Plain Dealer Reporter

Ohio's gubernatorial candidates have plenty of money to slug it out on the airwaves this fall.

Gov. Ted Strickland can thank the state Democratic Party, which picked up his fund-raising slack in the last six weeks, contributing $700,000 of the $2 million he raised from June 11 through Aug. 4, the latest reporting period. His finance report showed $9.7 million on hand.

Republican challenger John Kasich raised nearly $2.3 million, thanks largely to individual donors who contributed on average just under $400 to his campaign. Kasich reported $7.9 million on hand.

Candidates are not required to report expenses until Oct. 21 so it's hard to gauge how much cash is really available. But Strickland and Kasich have collectively raised more than $24 million, which will likely make this the most expensive gubernatorial race in Ohio history.

In addition to the donations from the state party,Strickland received $25,000 from the Summit County party and more than $50,000 from unions. Asked about the large donations, campaign spokeswoman Allison Kolodziej said: "It shows we have a strong state party this year."

Kasich received the maximum donation of $11,395 from 30 individuals. Kasich crowed about his number of contributors compared to Strickland's, arguing it reflects stronger grass-roots support, "the lifeblood of any campaign," spokesman Rob Nichols said.

Republicans in the other major statewide races followed Kasich's lead, raising more than their Democratic opponents. But it took large donations from the Ohio Republican Party to establish that edge in the auditor's and attorney general's races.

Mike DeWine, the Republican candidate for attorney general, reported the highest contribution total: $914,765, including $375,000 from the state party. DeWine has $2.16 million on hand.

Incumbent Democrat Richard Cordray raised $499,991 and has about $3.5 million on hand.

State Rep. Josh Mandel, the Republican candidate for state treasurer, collected $500,119 and has about $3 million on hand.

Incumbent Treasurer Kevin Boyce, a Democrat, received $176,121 and has about $1.2 million on hand.

In the secretary of state's race, Republican State Sen. Jon Husted raised $375,123 while Democrat Maryellen O'Shaughnessy raised $142,694. Husted has about $2.6 million on hand compared to O'Shaughnessy's $600,000.

Democrat David Pepper, running for state auditor, raised $211,433. A $100,000 donation from the state Republican Party gave his opponent, Dave Yost, a slight edge with $228,442 in contributions. Pepper has $1.42 million on hand compared to Yost's $266,136.

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